Elizabeth Chiedza Gwaunza will become Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice on May 15, 2026, inheriting a judiciary facing major credibility issues.
Justice Elizabeth Chiedza Gwaunza has been appointed Zimbabwe’s first female Chief Justice, making history 46 years after independence.. The 73-year-old, who has served as Deputy Chief Justice since March 2018, takes office on May 15, 2026, succeeding Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who left officie today after reaching his retirement age.. Gwaunza was one of the first two black female law graduates in Zimbabwe.. She was admitted as a legal practitioner in 1987, became a High
Court judge in 1998, and was elevated to the Supreme Court in 2002.. She also co-founded the Women and Law in Southern Africa Research Project.. Her appointment comes after a turbulent period for the judiciary.. Malaba’s tenure was marked by controversy over a five-year term extension that courts initially ruled unconstitutional.. Gwaunza inherits an overstretched judiciary with only 80 judges and 250 magistrates serving over 16 million people.. Observers say her biggest challenge will be
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Gwaunza appointment, Zimbabwe judiciary, Chief Justice Malaba, Deputy Chief Justice, female Chief Justice, judicial credibility, Women and Law in Southern Africa